The Petition
Chapter 1 of 17
tesharaAfter a new law reduces witches to chattel, Hermione Granger finds herself married to Severus Snape in order to keep her from the Death Eaters.
Hermione begins to shadow Severus in his work with the Order. They begin to form a mutual respect and love for each other after Hermione works as negotiator to a matriarchal secret society, the Amazons.
Severus stations them in Russia, where his family has a home, and his cousin is active in patriarchal secret society, the Mystic Brotherhood, who has been at odds with the Amazons for years.
After the Final Battle is fought, one would think the Order would be done with its work, but after Harry is scarred forever, Hermione is given a holy artifact, and a mysterious string of Muggle murders catches the attention of the Ministry, it seems as if their work is just beginning...
Background:
This is a deviation of the WIKTT Challenge: The Marriage Law.
Loosely, it reads that Muggle-born witches have lost their rights and wizards can petition for their custody, thereby forcing them into marriage.
I apologize outright, because I didn’t really fulfill any of the other requirements.
Also, please keep in mind this story was started before Order of the Phoenix came out and at one point was canon. I have tried to work in things if I can, such as Sirius’ death, but other things, such as Dumbledore’s sexuality and Hermione’s birthday, were already integral to my storyline and unfortunately, could not be changed without a complete rewrite of several plot lines.
Chapter 1: The Petition
“Are you sure, Severus?” Albus Dumbledore looked over the tops of his gold rimmed glasses at the nervous man sitting in front of him. “You are under no obligation to do this.”
Severus Snape squirmed in his seat. He always felt nervous under the gaze of the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Even more so today.
Dumbledore had a petition in his hands that would legally bind Severus to one of his students: Hermione Granger.
Dumbledore’s hat, a dashing pointed design, fashioned of a deep purple velvet, rested on a corner of the high backed chair he was sitting on. His white hair and beard flowed over him and down the front of his robes. His deep blue eyes peered at Severus with curiosity.
“Yes,” said Severus, a pained look crossing his features. He reached a hand up to pinch the skin between his eyes. “I’m sure.”
“Very well then,” Dumbledore sighed and handed the parchment to Severus, along with a green quill.
Severus took it, hands shaking, and signed.
-+-+-
Hermione Granger was enjoying her breakfast in Hogwarts’ Great Hall with her best friends, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter, when a large brown barn owl swooped down over their table and dropped a light blue scroll in front of her, upending a plate of bacon.
Her hand froze halfway to her pumpkin juice.
Ministry of Magic: Department of Matrimonial Destiny was stamped across the scroll in swirling silver letters. It was sealed with a silver blob of wax, a pair of bells stamped into it. They were enchanted to look as if they were ringing.
“But you’re not 18 yet, Hermione,” said Ron, looking at her stunned.
“I know that,” said Hermione sounding panicky.
“Then what’s that for?” Ron asked, sounding frantic.
“I don’t know!” cried Hermione, leaving the scroll untouched near her plate.
Harry reached out and took it. He broke the seal, unrolled it, and read silently.
“It seems your experiences with the Time-Turner have been taken into consideration when determining the date of your availability.” Harry raised his eyebrows.
Ron snorted.
Hermione felt ill.
The Marriage Law.
Another crackpot idea of the Ministry. To insure the future of the Wizarding community, they claimed. The latest idea was to reduce the status of witches to chattel and allow wizards to petition for their hand.
It was supposed to be the same for both Muggle-born and pure-blood witches, but witches from pure-blood families usually had the connections and the ability to bribe the right people to get disqualified from marital service.
“You had three offers in the first hour of your availability, so you’re being allowed to pick your mate,” Harry scanned the page.
“I’m so sorry, Hermione,” Neville said softly, having overheard the outburst.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” Ron said outraged.
“You wouldn’t be allowed,” Hermione explained patiently before Ron had a violent outburst and lost them the House Cup.
“You’re still underage and your brothers are spoken for,” Harry said as he handed the scroll over to Hermione.
Hermione paled as she read it. Then she reached in her book bag and dug around for a quill. Ron watched as she scribbled a note on the parchment. The owl that had delivered it swooped down from the rafters to carry it back to the Ministry.
“So that’s it?” Ron asked, quietly.
“I guess so,” said Hermione in a small voice. Neville put his hand on her back to steady her.
“Who did you choose?” Harry asked gently.
“Who did you have to choose from?” Ron asked.
“Gregory Goyle, Aurellius Ollivander, and Severus Snape,” Hermione said, blinking blankly.
“Are you serious?” asked Ron weakly.
Ron felt utterly helpless. He and Hermione had never made things official, but he had always planned to settle down with her when he had enough to offer. Now the Ministry had swept her away before they even had a chance. He had watched the same thing happen to Percy after Penelope had been mated to a tailor in Brighton. She was legal property of someone else now.
“Who did you choose?” Ron asked. His voice gave the impression he didn’t really want to know.
“Snape, of course,” hissed Hermione. “He’s in the Order. He must have petitioned for me because of that.”
“That would make sense!” Ron looked excited. His grin was wide and his eyebrows were working up and down. “He’s going to save you. This must be a plan!”
“Well, I suppose I’ll get to thank him later this evening,” Hermione said, taking her planner out of her bag.
“What do you mean?” Ron asked.
“We’re getting married tonight,” Hermione said, jotting down a note in her planner.
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Marriage Law
216 Reviews | 5.9/10 Average
You have no idea how upset I felt when I realised this story had been abandoned -- and then how relieved I was that I'd been able to read it at all. Yes, sometimes they were OOC, but I love how you SHOWED so much instead of TELLING (especially between Hermione's feelings & Severus'), and how you set up a fantastic prophecy w/ the foreshadowing.Thank you for keeping this story up so I could still enjoy it (even if unfinished). :D
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
This is the updated rewrite! The original is up and still in progress on fan fiction dot net. I will warn you, they're old chapters and still need to be polished. Thanks for liking it!
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
This is the updated rewrite! The original is up and still in progress on fan fiction dot net. I will warn you, they're old chapters and still need to be polished. Thanks for liking it!
Although this story had already been abandoned I read it anyway as its a marriage contract prompt. Yes SS is quite OOC but the story line has interesting ideas - shame its been abandoned I would have kept going with this one
I'm so glad they all are safe except Neville but I'm confident in his awakening. I do hope that Harry will chose the right path or they all will be in deep trouble, again. Thank you for this most awaited and appreciated update. I saw by perusing the reviews that RL has not been kind thesepast months and I hope that it gets better with time. *hugs*
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
Thanks :)
I hope this means you'll be updating frequently again?? love this story
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
I'm rewriting and revising up to chapter 31 and then more chapters will be coming soon :)
gosh, i would think putting her into the sun would have made her greener! what an amazing update. i do hope neville pulls out of his coma. thanks and mucho smoochies
LOve it hope you aren'y done yet!
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
OMG not anywhere near done!! 
Kudos to you, tesh! This chapter is a whale of a way to get back into the story. I was giddy when I saw that you had updated. I have missed this story so, and I just need to say thank you for continuing with it.In the aftermath, the battle seemed to leave its mark on everyone, but Harry's injuries are especially egregious. Hermione knows that the prophesy must have been talking about Harry, but I wonder if she realizes that she will be key to helping Harry heal from this mind meld with Tom's memories. Are the Jotun the "givers of life" mentioned in the prophesy? Is Hermione a "giver of life?" The "answer" must be in the box the "onyx-skinned warrior with hair of slithering adders" gave to Alexandra for Hermione. I can't wait to find out what her birthright is. Is she an Atlantean? So many questions!!!This story has moved to a whole new level, and I am so looking forward to seeing where you will take it!Beth
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
Thanks! Originally when MLC came out this was going to be a 5 chapter weekend write. (You see how well that worked out :D) Then I was going to kill it after the battle, but the Jotun and the next storyline is pretty cool so I kept going with it.
I like the idea of Harry's new look. I doubt Ginny will be able to handle it (does Harry have Horcrux Tom's memories of 11yr old Ginny as well?) even if she does want his fame and money. Someone like Luna would be able to handle it though - hmm.
I like the idea of Hermione being photosynthetic, but if she was, why didnt the doctors move her into the light earlier? Were they afraid she'd start sprouting leaves? :)
Wonder what the medusa gave Hermione.
Loved the length of the chapter.
Too much Ron time.
Really wierd stuff going on with Harry. Hopefully he doesn't turn into the next Dark Lord.
OK, you have made my mental image of Harry really creepy. i'm glad that most of them are awake, though.
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
As if Harry didn't have enough to deal with ;)
Girl, I totally love your Hufflepuff-in-a-mirror! Helga don' get no respect.
Oh dear dear dear. What will they do.I am intrigued. I love these marriage law stories. I like it that Snape is not indignant and trying to refuse for Hermione's own good at this point. It was his idea. It isn't often his idea in these things.I will keep reading. Please finish the story or I shall run mad.
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
hee hee! yes ma'am!
that was an absolutely terrifying battle, altho i did like the pinkish eggs. superb update. thanks so much
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
thanks!
No No not there! But ahh cliffies make it brilliant.
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
hee hee! Thanks!
AAAAHHHH you're evil. Pure evil.. but i still love your story anyway.
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
haha >:DThanks!
oh it's getting good - keep up the lovely story!!!
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
thanks!
I thought the way you wrote Albus' reunion with Sophia and Alexandra was just right. An illustration of a vivisected Muggle? Gross! No wonder Hermione lost her interest in reading. Severus was kind to suggest they go to the lake.The carpet ride and the enchanted trees are wonderful. Wouldn't it be great if we could have things like that? Very useful. But the most extraordinary application of magic was the Bubble-Head Charm that Severus used to protect his pelvis. Wonderful use of magic, I'd say!!!But the time for honeymooning is fast coming to a close. The Dark Lord has called his minions and the Ministry is under attack... and Dumbledore is visiting the Amazons... but that's better than being TDY somewhere else because he is with the Amazons and is much closer to Severus and Hermione than he would be were he in Britain.O yeah, and there's that little matter about Severus and Hermione consummating their marriage... by now EVERYBODY in the Order has heard the news.A lot has happened in this chapter, and I can't wait to see what happens next.Beth
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
thanks! this chapter was kind of the turning point from fluff into something more meaty :D
wow...interesting mental picture. what a unique use for the bubble head charm! but what now? thanks so much
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
now things get interesting 
Anonymous
Whew, what a chapter! Funny ideas, cool inventions, suspense... but the application of the bubble head charm is absolutely brilliant! :o))))
Author's Response: hee hee! Thanks!
Oh man, it sounds like it's all hitting the fan. I liked the meeting between AD and Alexandra. The feelings they felt were well written.
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
thanks. I don't know who my bio dad is either... I was feeling a bit vunerable when I wrote this part.
WHAT !!! Just a tiny little attack is ruining an absolutely wonderful afternoon of delightful pleasures. Really, Voldithing and his Death Eater have no sense of good manners. *smirk*
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
I know! How rude!
Ha Ha wait until Molly finds out! Look forward to more.
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
:D Something telle me Molly's going to have a lot more on her mind...
Ruh roh. That's not good, especially with Dumbledore away and reaquainting with his daughter. Glad he took it so well, by the way.
Response from teshara (Author of The Marriage Law)
Sophia's lucky he knows her so well...